Colorado Commission Adopted New Screwworm Rule
Livestock owners must now secure veterinary inspections within five days of moving animals into the state.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Large Animals
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Do you support stricter import regulations to protect local livestock from disease outbreaks?
The Colorado Agricultural Commission has recommended an updated emergency rule to protect the state livestock industry from New World Screwworm. This measure addresses rising cases in northern Mexico and recent detections in Texas and New Mexico.
Why it matters
The rule is designed to safeguard local livestock from the destructive parasite as international and regional transport increases. It provides state officials with the authority to quarantine or reject animals that fail to meet strict inspection standards.
The updated emergency rule mandates certificates of veterinary inspection issued within 5 days of movement, replacing the previous version that expired on October 9, 2026. Non-compliant animals may now face mandatory quarantine or return to their point of origin.
The players
Colorado Agricultural Commission
The state body responsible for overseeing agricultural policies and protecting Colorado livestock health.
USDA
The federal agency that enforces national import protocols for animals entering the United States.
CDC
The national public health agency that collaborates on federal disease prevention and import protocols.
CBP
The agency managing border security and the initial inspection of international livestock shipments.
The details
To prevent the spread of the parasite, the rule requires pre-movement inspections, entry permits, wound treatments, and post-arrival checks for all warm-blooded animals entering from infested zones. Animals arriving from affected countries must further satisfy federal import protocols managed by the USDA, CDC, and CBP. These steps create a layered defense system for local agriculture against northern Mexico and regional outbreaks.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: The previous emergency rule expired.
The Home Front
The emergency rule aligns Colorado state requirements with the USDA federal import protocols for livestock, ensuring consistent disease protection across borders. This shift reflects a tightening of regional agricultural standards in response to active parasite outbreaks in neighboring areas.
Livestock owners must ensure all animals have a valid certificate of veterinary inspection issued within 5 days prior to arrival. If you are importing animals, verify that you have obtained the necessary entry permits and completed required wound treatments before transport.
The takeaway
The updated emergency rule provides critical protection for Colorado farms by mandating timely veterinary oversight for all incoming livestock. Owners should contact their veterinarian immediately to schedule inspections within the 5-day window for any planned animal moves.
Further reading
For more information on protecting your herd, visit the Large Animals resource page.
More information
For official regulatory guidance, visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture NWS information page.
Live Poll
Do you support stricter import regulations to protect local livestock from disease outbreaks?
